Plant-Based Eating in the New Year

This New Year, consider incorporating more plant-based foods into your life for improved health and well-being. Kickstart this commitment by including more fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, and whole grains into your daily routine. While the focus is on eating more plants and less meat, salt, sugar, and processed foods, plant-based diets can be adjusted to meet your nutritional wants and needs. By making plant-based foods the star of the show, you’ll pack your diet with a range of beneficial vitamins, minerals, healthful fats, and fiber to keep your body at optimal health throughout the New Year.

In addition to boosting your energy and immune system, eating a wholesome plant-based diet can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, inflammatory diseases, and type 2 diabetes, while improving cognitive health. This isn’t to say that meat, dairy, and processed foods are off the table. Rather, think about redesigning your eating habits and choosing options that work best for you. Here are a few simple steps to begin your new plant-based eating adventure.

Plan Meals in Advance

Plan daily or weekly meals in advance to limit mindless eating, save money, and reduce food waste. By planning a day or weeks’ worth of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at once, you’ll find it easier to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, propelling yourself toward successfully achieving your goal. Learn more meal planning tips at upcoming budget cooking and shopping classes at the co-op.

Cook More Often

Join us at upcoming co-op cooking classes this winter to learn more about cooking with and incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. Learn how to make your own kombucha, stir fries, vegan African dishes, Japanese dishes, and other plant-based foods at the co-op.

Shop for Simple Swaps at the Co-op

Try dedicating one day a week to eating meatless or swapping dishes high in meat and dairy with healthier plant-based substitutes. For example:

Alternative options for dairy-free milk are endless: almond, coconut, soy, flax, rice milk, and more are available at the co-op from brands including Califia, Ripple, Silk and Good Karma.